In a standard audio tape cassette, a new method of cleaning the capstan(s) while the tape is playing or recording. The new method and means consists of a fibrous material, generally a felt, which is positioned against the capstan(s) in a way so that when it is in contact it exerts a wiping pressure on the rotating capstan(s). Another means is by positioning the felt on a moveable lever which will bring the felt into contact with the capstan(s) when the cassette is in operating mode and not in contact when the cassette is not operating.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A capstan cleaning system in an audiotape cassette comprising an endless loop of audiotape, a felt, a lever, a pre-existing enclosure space, wherein said cassette comprises means for positioning said lever against said felt enclosed in said pre-existing enclosure space, said felt having a top portion, a bottom portion and a central portion, said central portion being flat, said top portion having a notch, said bottom portion being cut at an angle in the range of 45 to 64 degrees.
2. A capstan cleaning system comprising a capstan in a recorder/player tape transport, the audiotape cassette of claim 1 , wherein said felt is moveably adherent to said capstan by means of said felt being responsive to movement of said lever, wherein said lever moves responsive to a movement of a record/play head of a recorder/player, wherein said movement of said record/play head is responsive to a record or play control button.
3. A capstan cleaning system in an audio tape cassette comprising an endless loop of audio tape, a felt, a preexisting enclosure space, within said cassette comprises means for positioning felt enclosed in said pre-existing enclosure space, said felt having a top portion, a bottom portion and a central portion, said central portion being flat, said top portion having a notch, said bottom portion being cut forming a capstan deflection angle in the range of 45 to 65 degrees.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
November 27, 2000
February 25, 2003
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